A very special podcast episode is the one we recorded with Alexander Kosymo Kosyra. Alex has specialised in science fiction models, but that is not all:
He upgrades his models with hundreds, sometimes thousands of fibre optic strands and thereby creates fantastic display pieces!
Be sure to listen in, and if you need tips and tricks for building with fibre optics, feel free to contact Kosymo at www.kosymo.de.
You can listen directly on Spotify here:
Off we go, and here are our show notes:
Childhood experiences: Kosymo tells how he was given a model kit as a child, which did not spark his interest at all at the time. It was only years later as an adult, when he helped his uncle modify a model helicopter, that he discovered his enthusiasm for model building relatively late.
Specialising in science fiction: His preference is for the science fiction genre, motivated by his enthusiasm for Star Wars and other science fiction franchises.
First experiments with lighting: The idea of lighting up models with LEDs and fibre optics came about spontaneously and turned into a passion.
Learning process: In the beginning Kosymo had hardly any knowledge of electronics. He built up his know-how through self-study and experimentation.
Continuous improvement: Over the years Kosymo refined his techniques and integrated more complex lighting effects into his models.
Exchange within the community: Visiting model building events and exchanging ideas with other modellers opened up new perspectives and challenges for him.
Inspiration and competition: Taking part in a model building event motivated him to develop his skills further and to exhibit his work.
Love of detail: Kosymo attaches great importance to detail, which is particularly reflected in the recreations of specific scenes from films.
Tools and materials: He explains which tools and materials are needed for illuminated model building, such as special adhesives and fibre optics.
Technical challenges: Kosymo explains how he implements complex lighting effects and movements in his models, for example through the use of ring motors and mechanics .
Passing on knowledge: He talks about his willingness to share his knowledge and his experience with others in order to promote the art of model building further.
Drive to innovate: Despite the complexity he has already achieved in his projects, Kosymo is constantly looking for new technologies and methods to make his models even more realistic.
Family ties: Also interesting is the way he involves his son in the hobby, which shows how model building can connect generations.
Personal relaxation: Kosymo describes how the detailed work on his models helps him to switch off from work and to relax.
Preparing and installing fibre optics: Drilling the holes and inserting and gluing in hundreds up to thousands of fibre optic strands is time-consuming, but it improves the models significantly.
Visibility of the internal structure: By using magnets, the model can be opened up to show the installation of the fibre optics and LEDs.
Time required: Despite the considerable time involved, it is possible to complete several projects within a year, depending on the complexity of the models.
Detail work and adjustments: For special occasions or presentations, models are adapted and optimised down to the smallest detail.
Mistakes and challenges: The build can be made more difficult by the nature and behaviour of the material, for example when working with soft plastic.
Innovative solutions: Using fibre optics not only internally but also externally in order to achieve specific effects, e.g. illuminated antennas, engines or explosions.
Maintenance and repair: The need to open models for maintenance and repair underlines the importance of a well thought-out construction.
Choice of tools and materials: High-quality tools and materials are decisive for a successful build and for enjoyment of the hobby.
Sharing knowledge and techniques: The exchange within the community and learning from others are valuable, even if not all details are shared.